An Ocean Passage to Cornwall

Please note: all of Bessie Ellen’s bookings are now handled by Nikki’s own agency, VentureSail Holidays. By clicking ‘Book voyage’ you will be taken to a VentureSail booking form in order to secure your berths.

Overview

Take on Biscay and discover Lands’ End in three different countries on a spring sail from Cascais. Journey up to Santiago de Compostella and collect scallop shells before cruising around Finisterra Galicia and Finisterre Brittany, Visit Finisterre Brittany, both linked by their Celtic roots and rugged coastline. Their headlands jut westwards out into the Atlantic to be shaped and tortured by the elements, marking age old turning points for seafarers.

Become part of Bessie Ellen’s voyage crew, standing watches, reefing sails and taking part in navigating and all other aspects of a wooden vessel as she journeys down. This is an ideal opportunity for mile building towards yacht master accreditation.

Voyage Description

Our voyage aboard Bessie Ellen begins in Portugal, heading across the infamous Biscay, through France and up to the ancient and historic port of Fowey. The passage of around 900 miles makes this is a great chance for those wishing to get some decent miles and night hours in their logbooks whilst experiencing the thrills of handling a wooden sailing vessel. Get involved in all aspects of sailing including setting and trimming sails, steering and navigation or just while away the hours fishing for Tuna, practicing your knots or simply reading a book.

Join in the historic town of Cascais, Portugal, discovering the Rias of Muros and Pontevedra, then it’s onwards to the beautiful villages of Camarinas and Muxia. We aim to stop at Santiago de Compostella for a day trip to this world famous place of pilgrimage – not to be missed. From here, our carefully planned route takes us past the islands of Oleron, Yeu and Belle Isle before we round Ar Men and make for Douarnenez and Camaret in Brittany. Then it’s across the channel to Fowey, Bessie Ellen’s home port.

Useful Information

Start Location:

End Location:

Where to Stay:

Fowey is easily accessible by road or rail. Bessie Ellen will be on a mooring in the river on your arrival. Please contact us on 0044 7800 825 382 for a pick up by dinghy.

By rail: Closest station is Par. A regular bus service runs from Par station to Fowey, stopping outside the Safeharbour pub. A short walk to the quay.